What are the symptoms of prostate cancer?

Most cases of early-stage prostate cancer don’t cause symptoms. Because the condition typically grows slowly, symptoms usually appear in advanced stages. Once prostate cancer symptoms develop, they range from urination problems to bone pain, often mimicking symptoms of other conditions.

Prostate cancer screenings help detect the disease before symptoms appear. When detected in its earliest stages, prostate cancer is highly treatable. By the time you develop symptoms, your treatment options may be more limited.

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Prostate cancer symptoms

Many symptoms of prostate cancer mimic those of other noncancerous prostate conditions, such as benign prostatic hyperplasia (an enlarged prostate) or prostatitis (an inflamed prostate). Still, speak with your provider if you experience any of the following symptoms. If cancer or another condition is present, proper treatment can bring relief.

Urinary symptoms

As prostate cancer grows, it may press on the urethra, the tube that carries urine out of your body. Urinary symptoms include:

  • Burning or painful urination
  • Difficulty starting your urine stream
  • Frequent urination at night
  • Needing to urinate immediately
  • Recurring urinary tract infections
  • Urine dribbling after using the restroom
  • Weak urinary stream
  • Hematuria (blood in the urine)

Early-stage prostate cancer symptoms

When prostate cancer is in its earliest stages, men typically don’t have symptoms. That’s why it’s considered a silent disease. If you experience any problems at this stage, they will likely affect your urine or semen.

Early signs of prostate cancer include:

  • Bloody urine or semen
  • Urinating more often than usual
  • Weak or slow urine stream

Advanced prostate cancer symptoms

Advanced prostate cancer usually causes the same symptoms as early-stage prostate cancer, plus a few others, including:

  • Bone pain
  • Feelings of fatigue
  • Inability to control your bladder or bowels
  • Numbness or weakness in the legs or feet
  • Sexual dysfunction

Prostate conditions with similar symptoms

Prostate cancer symptoms are similar to symptoms of many other noncancerous prostate conditions. In many cases, symptoms, such as trouble urinating, pain, fatigue and sexual dysfunction, turn out not to be associated with cancer.

Benign prostatic hyperplasia

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is the most common prostate issue affecting men after age 50. Also called an enlarged prostate, BPH causes the prostate glands to grow abnormally large. You may see blood in your urine. Also, you may have difficulty emptying your bladder or experience urinary tract infections and symptoms resembling those of prostate cancer.

Prostatitis

Prostatitis is inflammation in and around the prostate. Along with pain in your scrotum, penis and lower back, you may develop urinary and sexual health symptoms mirroring those of prostate cancer. You may urinate frequently, have difficulty holding urine (urinary incontinence) or have a weak urine stream. Prostatitis can also cause urinary tract infections or painful ejaculation.

When should you see a doctor for symptoms of prostate cancer?

If you experience concerning symptoms, talk to your doctor right away. Finding the cause early can help you get the right treatment sooner. Prostate cancer treatments work better when the condition is found early.

Your doctor might suggest a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test. This test measures PSA levels, a protein made by your prostate. High PSA levels don't always mean prostate cancer but can help doctors figure out the cause of your symptoms.

Even without symptoms, you might need a PSA test to screen for prostate cancer, especially if you're at higher risk. Men at average risk should start screening at age 50, while those at higher risk should start at 40 or 45.

You may be at an increased risk for prostate cancer based on the following factors:

  • Race: Black men experience prostate cancer at higher rates than other ethnicities. They are also more likely to develop the disease young and have more aggressive prostate cancers.
  • Family history: Having a first-degree relative who has had prostate cancer increases your risk, particularly if the relative was diagnosed before age 65.
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Prostate cancer screening locations near you

We help you get care at a location that fits your needs. Primary care providers at our locations in North and Central Texas offer prostate cancer screening to detect the condition before symptoms appear.

Frequently asked questions

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